Wrist Flag and Autograph Band

ABSTRACT

A wrist tape banner to be worn around the wrist of a user for convenient transportation and easy release and display at sporting events. The tape banner is highly visible in the extended configuration and very compact when rolled up around the wrist. The wrist tape banner can be adjusted to securely fit around any wrist. The wrist tape banner also functions as a writeable surface for receiving autographs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional patent application claims priority to provisionalpatent application entitled “Hey Wave Rally Flag” filed on Nov. 19,2021, having application number 63/281,400, which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally hand-held banners, and moreparticularly, to banners and autograph materials that can attach to awrist

Description of Related Art

Sports stadiums provide fans the opportunity to cheer on their teamswith promotional items and souvenirs such as rally towels, foam fingers,pom poms, and inflatable noise makers. These items are large andcumbersome to store or carry, especially since bags are no longerpermitted in many stadiums. Cheap promotional items are often leftbehind littering the stands and streets. Fans desire flags and bannersto cheer on their team and even be able to get autographs of theirfavorite athletes

Accordingly, there is a need for a promotional products for fans tocheer on their sports teams that are easy to carry, compact, highlyvisible, and not overly expensive. It also would be desirable for thesame promotional products to provide a surface to receive autographs ofathletes.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a banner for sportingevents that can be easily transported.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a banner forsporting events that is highly visible but compact when stored.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a banner forsporting events that can be easily transported on the wrist and easilydeployed for display when in use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a flag or bannerthat can be attached and waved on a person’s wrist.

An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a banner forsporting events that provides a writing surface for autographs.

In order to provide these aspects and others, the present inventionincludes a flag or tape banner with an inner end, an outer end, a firstside, and a second side. A first connector strip is located on the firstside of the tape banner proximate to the inner end of the tape banner. Asecond connector strip is located on the first side of the tape bannerproximate to the first connector strip so as to provide an open space onthe first side of the tape banner between the first connector strip andthe second connector strip. A flexible loop is located and sized to goaround the tape banner within the open space, wherein the firstconnector strip and the second connector strip are to be connectedtogether so as to enclose the flexible loop within the open space. Athird connector strip is located on the first side of the tape bannerproximate the outer end of the tape banner. A fourth connector strip islocated on the second side of the tape banner proximate a middlelocation of the tape banner between the inner end and the outer end ofthe tape banner, wherein the fourth connector strip is configured toconnector to the third connector strip when the tape banner is rolledup.

The tape banner is a high quality, comfortable, customizable, preferably2 inches wide by 26 inches long that conveniently wraps around a wristforming a stylish one size fits all wristband or wrist tape banner orwrist flag. The tape banner or tape banner flag is reusable, durable,and preferably constructed strong, smooth polyester with dye sublimationprinting providing a surface for graphic logo designs and customizableteam colors. The tape banner surface also can be used for collectingautographs at sporting events, concerts, and theme parks. The wrist tapebanner also can be used at political rallies and other causes, not justathletic arenas or autographs from athletes. The tape banner can even beused to display pins, such as Disney.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred features ofthe present invention so that those skilled in the art may betterunderstand the detailed description of the invention that follows.Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter thatform the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in theart should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed inventionand specific embodiments as a basis for designing or modifying otherstructures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention,and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scopeof the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the first side of the tape banner configured inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the second side of the tape banner shown inFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2wherein a open area of the tape banner is enclosing the flexible loop;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second side of the tape banner shownin FIGS. 1 - 3 where the tape banner is in the extended configuration;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first side of the tape banner shownin FIGS. 1 - 4 when the tape banner is in the extended configuration;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 - 5being waved and is attached to a person’s wrist in the extendedconfiguration;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 - 6attached to a person’s wrist in the rolled up configuration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 - 7 inthe rolled up configuration; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 - 8attached to a person’s head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a plan view of the first side12 of the wrist tape banner 10 configured in accordance with the presentinvention. The wrist tape banner 10 includes a tape banner 15 having aninner end 14, an outer end 16, a first side 12, and a second side 18(FIG. 2 ). A first connector strip 20 is connected to the first side 12of the tape banner 15 proximate to the inner end 14 of the tape banner15. A second connector strip 22 is connected to the first side 12 of thetape banner 15 proximate to the first connector strip 20. The secondconnector strip 22 is on the side of the first connector strip 20opposing the inner end 14 of the tape banner 15. An open space 24 on thetape banner 15 is located between the first connector strip 20 and thesecond connector strip 22. An open space 26 also is located between theinner end 14 and the first connector strip 20. A third connector strip28 is located on the first side 12 proximate the outer end 16 of thetape banner 15.

The first, second, and third connector strips 20, 22, 28 preferably areconstructed of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®. The first,second, and third connector strips 20, 22, 28 construction materialspreferably include cloth that is securely sewn or glued onto the taperbanner 15. The first and second connector strips 20, 22 preferablyextend perpendicular to the tape banner 15. The third connector strip 28preferably extends parallel to the tape banner 15.

A flexible loop 30 is sized to go over 31 and around the tape banner 15around the open space 24 between the first connector strip 20 and thesecond connector strip 22. In accordance with the present invention, theconnector strips 20, 22 are configured to be connected together toenclose the flexible loop 30 within the open area 24 of the tape banner15. (See FIG. 3 ). The outer end 16 of the tape banner 15 can then beinserted though the flexible loop 30 to form a loop 25 (FIG. 3 ) that isto go around the wrist of a person to hold the tape banner 15. Theflexible loop 30 preferably is constructed of expandable andcontractible material, similar to a rubber band. While the loop 30 maybe rigid, it is preferable to be constructed of flexible material.

It should be noted that in another embodiment, the first connect strip20 and the second connector strip 22 can be stitching that arepermanently sewn together to enclose open area 24 around the flexibleloop 30.

A team logo, promotional statement, or other text or design 17 can beincluded of the first side 12 of the tape banner 15 to be highly visibleto observers. The tape banner 15 preferable is constructed of a highlyvisible color to be seen by observers. Additionally, the tape banner 15preferably is constructed of a flexible material that is suitable forbeing written upon with an ink marker. This enables the tape banner 15to provide a surface area for receiving autographs or other writtentexts.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 shownin FIG. 1 . Promotional text or a design 19 is included on the secondside 18, similar to the text or design 17 on the first side 12 of thetape banner 15. A fourth connector strip 32 is located on the secondside 18 of the tape banner 15 approximately in the middle of the tapebanner 15 between the inner end 14 and the outer end 16. Similar to thefirst, second, and third connector strips 20, 22, 28, the fourthconnector strip 32 preferably is constructed of hook and loop fasteners,such as Velcro®. The fourth connector strip 32 construction materialpreferably includes cloth that is securely sewn or glued onto the secondside 18 of the taper banner 15. The fourth connector strip 32 preferablyextends parallel to the tape banner 15. In accordance with the presentinvention, the third connector strip 28 is configured to be connected tothe fourth connector strip 32 when the tape banner 15 is rolled up, asshown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . A loop area 23 is indicated on FIG. 2 toillustrate approximately where the flexible loop 30 goes around when theouter end 16 of the tape banner 15 is formed into a loop as shown inFIG. 3 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wrist tape banner 10 shown in FIGS.1 and 2 . The tape banner 15 is shown with the flexible loop 30 aroundthe open area 24 and the loop area 23 of the tape banner 15 to form aloop 25 that is designed to go around the wrist of a person. FIG. 3illustrates the outer end 16 having been inserted through the flexibleloop 30 to form the loop 25. In accordance with the present invention,the first connector strip 20 and the second connector strip 22 are shownto be enclosing the flexible loop 30 within the open area 24 of the tapebanner 15, and wherein the first connector strip 20 and the secondconnector strip 22 are about to be connected together to enclose theflexible loop 30. Both the first side 12 and the second side 18 of thetape banner 15 are visible in the perspective view of FIG. 3 . The openspace 26 adjacent to the inner end 14 of the tape banner 15 also isillustrated.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wrist tape banner 10 wherein thetape banner 15 is in the extended or unrolled configuration. The fourthconnector strip 32 on the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 isclearly shown, and well as the text or promotional design 19. An edge ofthe third connector strip 28 can just be seen on the outer end 16 of thetape banner 15. The flexible loop 30 is shown surrounding the open area24 and the loop area 23 of the tape banner 15. A loop 25 is formed bypassing the outer end 16 through the flexible loop 30. The first side 18of the tape banner 15 also can be seen in this perspective view.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wrist tape banner 10 shown in FIGS.1 - 4 in the extended or unrolled configuration. The first side 12 ofthe tape banner 15 is clearly visible as well as the third stripconnector 28 proximate to the outer end 16. Promotional text or design17 is also illustrated. A portion of the second side 18 of the tapebanner 15 on the loop 25 is shown in this perspective view. The flexibleloop 30 also can be seen around the open area 24 and the portion of theloop area 23 of the tape banner 15.

After the flexible loop 30 is enclosed within the open space 24 byconnecting the first connector strip 20 and the second connector strip22 together, the loop 25 is formed by pulling the outer end 16 with thethird connector strip 28 of the tape banner 15 through the elastic orflexible loop 30 on the opposite end of the tape banner 15 andcontinuing to pull until the outer end 16 until the tape banner 15 makesa loop 25 that is configured to fit around a person’s wrist. A userpulls the loose or outer end 16 of the tape banner 15 until the loop 25is secure or tight around the user’s wrist, thus securing the tapebanner 15 to the user’s wrist. The user can then wrap the loose part 27including the outer end 16 of the tape banner 15 around the user’swrist, preferably about two rotations, and then connecting the thirdconnector strip 28 to the fourth connector strip 32 to secure the loosepart 27 of the tape banner 15 around the user’s wrist. The user createsa wristband by securing the third connector strip 28 to the fourthconnector strip 32. The wrist tape connector 10 can be configured to fitall possible wrist sizes by the using the adjustable third and fourthstrip connectors 28 and 32.

When the user wants to deploy and wave the tape banner 15, the user candetach the third connector strip 28 from the fourth connector strip 32to unwrap and extend the tape banner 15. The loop 25 around a user’swrist remains in tension from the interference fit of the flexible loop30.

FIG. 6 illustrates the wrist tape banner 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 5 in theextended configuration. This perspective view of the wrist tape banner10 shows the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 and a portion of thefirst side 12 in the loop 25 around the wrist 36 of a user. The fourthconnector strip 32 is shown. The flexible loop 30 around the portion ofthe loop area 23 of the tape banner 15 is shown to form a loop 25 aroundthe wrist 36 of a user.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a user wearing the wrist tape banner 10on the wrist 36 is accordance with the present invention. The tapebanner 15 is illustrated in the rolled up configuration around a user’swrist 36. The second side 18 of the tape banner 15 is shown, and aportion of the first side 12 of the tape banner 15 is shown within theloop 25 formed by the tape banner 15. A portion of the third connectorstrip 32 is shown as well as the outer end 16 of the tape banner 15.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the wrist tape banner 10 in the rolledup configuration. The first side 12 within the loop 25 and the secondside 18 on the outside of the loop 25 of the tape banner 15 areillustrated. The outer end 16 and the third connector strip 32 areshown, as well as the flexible loop 30 around the portion of the looparea 23 of the tape banner 15.

FIG. 9 illustrates another configuration of the present inventionwherein a user can create a larger noose or loop 25 to secure the tapebanner 15 around their head to be fashioned as a headband. In thisconfiguration the tension from the interference fit of the flexible loop30 is sufficient to hold the headband in place. In other configurations,the user may create a noose to secure on a belt loop, car rear viewmirror, car luggage rack, car antennae, or other items where the tapebanner 15 can be displayed. The wrist tape banner 10 also can be hung asa decorative pennant on a wall or on a door knob. In all configurations,wrist tape banner 10 can be used to collect autographs as a keepsakesouvenir.

While specific embodiments have been shown and described to point outfundamental and novel features of the invention as applied to thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions andsubstitutions and changes of the form and details of the inventionillustrated and in the operation may be done by those skilled in theart, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1. A wrist tape banner for use at sporting events, comprising: a tapebanner having an inner end, an outer end, a first side, and a secondside; a first connector strip on the first side of the tape bannerproximate the inner end of the tape banner; a second connector strip onthe first side of the tape banner proximate to the first connector stripso as to provide an open space on the first side of the tape bannerbetween the first connector strip and the second connector strip; aflexible loop located and sized to go around the tape banner within theopen space, wherein the first connector strip and the second connectorstrip are to be connected together so as to enclose the flexible loopwithin the open space; a third connector strip on the first side of thetape banner proximate the outer end of the tape banner; and a fourthconnector strip on the second side of the tape banner proximate a middlelocation of the tape banner between the inner end and the outer end ofthe tape banner, wherein the fourth connector strip is configured toconnector to the third connector strip when the tape banner is rolledup.
 2. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, further comprising largepromotion text of the first side and the second side of the tape banner.3. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the first connector stripand the second connector strip are connected together, and the flexibleloop and enclosed within and around the open space of the tape banner.4. The wrist tape banner of claim 3, wherein the third connector stripis connected to the fourth connector strip when the tape banner isrolled up.
 5. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the tape banneris constructed of material that expands and contracts similar to arubber band.
 6. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the first,second, third and fourth connector strips are constructed of Velcro®fasteners.
 7. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the first,second, third and fourth connector strips include hook and loopfasteners.
 8. The wrist tape banner of claim 3, wherein the outer end ofthe tape banner has passed through the flexible loop so as to form aloop including the inner end and the blank space of the tape banner. 9.The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the tape banner includes ahigh visibility color.
 10. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein thetape banner is coated with polyeurothane for waterproof protection. 11.The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the first connector strip andthe second connector strip are stitching that are to be sewn together.12. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the first connector stripand the second connector strip are thread stitching that are to be sewntogether.
 13. The wrist tape banner of Clam 1, wherein the tape banneris constructed of cloth.
 14. The wrist tape banner of Clam 1, whereinthe tape banner is constructed of plastic.